text:
Suffolk, ss. Division of Administrative Law Appeals
Zina Kelsh,
v. Docket No. CR-07-159
Plymouth County Retirement System,
Appearance for Petitioner:
Deborah G. Kohl, Esq.
191 Bedford Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Appearance for Respondent:
Michael Sacco, Esq.
285 College Highway
P.O. Box 479
Southampton, MA 01073-0479
Administrative Magistrate:
Sarah H. Luick, Esq.
Pursuant to G. L. c. 32, § 16(4), the Petitioner, Zina Kelsh, is appealing the January 30, 2007 decision of the Respondent, Plymouth County Retirement System, denying her request for accidental disability retirement benefits. (Ex. 2) The appeal was timely filed. (Ex.1) A hearing was held March 13, 2008, at the offices of the Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA), 98 North Washington Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, pursuant to G. L. c. 7, §4H.
Various documents are in evidence. (Exs. 1 - 20) The parties entered into some stipulations of fact. ("A") The Petitioner testified. Both parties made closing arguments. One tape was used.
1. Zina Kelsh, d.o.b. 10/13/68, became a Wareham Police Officer on May 13, 1996. She
passed her entry physical without any limiting back or neck conditions. She was able to pass the Police Academy physical trainings and tests. She was able to pass firearm use tests. Officer Kelsh worked as a Patrol Officer alone in a cruiser and on foot. She worked the midnight to 8:00 AM shift. ("A". Exs. 3, 5 & 11. Testimony.)
2. The essential duties of a Patrol Officer require the ability: to employ physical restraints on suspects and to place persons under arrest; to break up fights; to provide first responder medical care at the scenes of emergencies which can involve bending, squatting and lifting persons; to sit in the cruiser; to walk and stand for long periods of time; to push or pull at least fifty pounds or more; and, to operate a cruiser "at a high rate of speed using emergency lights and siren." The essential duties include being "capable of immediate activation" to physically challenging activities of varying intensity. There is no permanent light duty job assignment. (Exs. 3, 5 & 7. Testimony.)
3. On April 3, 2005, Officer Kelsh was on duty alone in her cruiser. She stopped to
assist Sergeant Glen Gifford remove a fallen tree blocking a roadway. Another Officer was also assisting in this work. Sgt. Gifford was using a chainsaw and Officer Kelsh was pulling away branches and limbs as he did this. At one point, she had to pull hard on a large branch with vines intertwined around it making it hard to dislodge and move away. As she pulled hard on it, she experienced a pop in her lower right side of her back. She also felt sore as a result, but did not at this point feel severe pain. She continued helping to remove the branches from the roadway, but did not again engage in hard pulling. (Exs. 3, 5 & 6. Testimony.)
4. After moving the tree limbs, Officer Kelsh was called from this scene to respond to an emergency medical call at a nursing home. As she exited the cruiser, she experienced low back pain. This pain worsened when she began to bend over to strap in the nursing home resident to the stretcher. She was not able to continue this work. Upon returning to the Police Station, she reported this back pain and was told to go to the hospital emergency room for evaluation. (Exs. 3, 5 & 6. Testimony.)
5. Officer Kelsh filed police reports on the pain she experienced on April 3, 2005. Sgt.
Gifford wrote a report in which he corroborated Officer Kelsh's report of hurting herself by pulling hard on the tree limb. (Ex. 6. Testimony.)
6. At the Tobey Hospital Emergency Room, Officer Kelsh was assessed as having
suffered a muscle strain. She had sustained muscle strains in the past, but had not experienced this degree of pain from such strains before. Officer Kelsh came under the care of Police Department physician, Dr. Ajit Mirani. He examined her on April 5, 2005, and concluded she had a lumbar strain on the right side. He prescribed medication, ice for pain relief, physical therapy treatments, and the following restrictions on activities:
a) No bending and no twisting.
b) No pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying more than five pounds.
c) Change positions from sit, stand, walking every 10 minutes.
d) No moving, transfer, or restraints.
e) No inmate contact.
(Exs. 12 &13. Testimony.)
7. Officer Kelsh stayed out of work. She was placed on leave without loss of pay under
G. L. c. 41, § 111F. (Exs. 3 & 5. Testimony.)
8. Officer Kelsh underwent diagnostic testing. Because she had post-injury headaches, a CT scan of the head was done on May 12, 2005. The results were normal. May 20, 2005 electrodiagnostic studies showed no "peripheral neuropathy or axonal denervation of the lumbosacral nerve roots." The testing suggested "possible discogenic etiology with chemical radiculitis." A June 4, 2005 lumbar spine MRI showed disc disease and mild degenerative changes at L3-4 and L4-5. (Exs. 15 & 16.)
9. Dr. Edward Jastram, III, a chiropractor, evaluated Officer Kelsh on June 15, 2005. He
concluded "that both of her acromioclavicular joints had suffered injury, as had her sacroiliac joints." He prescribed a course of treatment. (Ex. 17)
10. At a June 27, 2005 evaluation, Dr. Mirani opined Officer Kelsh had discogenic low
back pain. She was also complaining of "diffuse neck pain, as well as bilateral hip pain." She showed by examination, "[a] significant number or trigger points throughout her cervical lumbar and gluteus medias region," but with "[n]o focal neurologic deficits …. Her lumbosacral range of motion … [was] quite limited." Officer Kelsh had an epidural steroid injection that provided only temporary pain relief. By a September 26, 2005 evaluation, Dr. Mirani continued to make the same findings upon physical examination, and his diagnosis remained discogenic low back pain. (Exs. 12, 13 & 15.)
11. In July 2005, Officer Kelsh returned to perform light duty desk work. She was able to
avoid contact with prisoners, heavy lifting, and other physically challenging tasks. She was allowed to do this in hopes that she would improve to return to her full Patrol Officer duties. She stopped doing this work by August 25, 2006. She never returned to work thereafter. ("A". Ex. 5. Testimony.)
12. Officer Kelsh continued to have physical therapy treatments while she was performing the light duty work. (Ex. 19)
13. Officer Kelsh had another lumbar MRI on October 16, 2005, which showed:
Mild spondylosis.
At L4-5 there is a concentric disc bulge with a small central/left paracentral protrusion.
At L3-4 there is a concentric disc bulge with a small right foraminal protrusion.
(Ex. 16)
On this same date she also had a thoracic spine MRI which showed:
Mild spondylosis and mild disc disease …. No focal herniation.
(Ex. 16)
On October 19, 2005 she had a cervical spine MRI which showed:
Diffuse disc disease in the cervical spine with posterior disc protrusion at C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6 flattening the ventral aspect of the thecal sac and effacing the majority of the CSF around the spinal cord. There is also a left paracentral disc osteophyte complex at C2-C3. There is however no evidence for cord compression or abnormal signal appreciated within the cervical spinal cord.
Moderate neural foraminal narrowing at C5-C6 secondary to uncovertebral joint hypertrophy.
(Ex. 16)
On this same date she had a brain MRI which was "unremarkable." On October 23, 2005 she had a pelvis MRI which was also "unremarkable." (Exs. 16 & 20.)
14. On December 15, 2005, Dr. Mirani ordered a functional capacity evaluation. (Ex. 13)
15. Officer Kelsh had the physical capacity evaluation on January 17, 2006. She was
assessed as able to perform "Medium Work," which includes: "Exerting 20 lbs. to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 10 lbs. force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects." The following conclusion was reached:
The results of this evaluation indicate that Zina Kelsh is able
to work in a medium capacity for an 8 hr. day based on her
occasional lifting/carry. She declined to perform a sprint/run
and obstacle course due to increased lumbar pain. She was
unable to perform simulated restraint due to lumbar pain as
well. Appropriate physiological responses with client report
of increased pain when she requested to terminate occasional
lifting/carry at maximum weights. She reached sub max heart
rate … when attempting to perform simulated restraint and when
dragging 100 lbs. mannequin.
(Ex. 19)
16. At an August 2, 2006 evaluation, Dr. Michael V. DiTullio, Jr., a neurosurgeon, found
Officer Kelsh able to work only light duty work with limited bending and stooping, and with lifting only twenty pounds. (Ex. 18)
17. Officer Kelsh filed for accidental disability retirement benefits on August 21, 2006
based on the April 3, 2005 injury. Dr. Mirani supported her claim. He continued to diagnose discogenic low back pain. He found her back pain was worse when she flexed her back in the lumbar area, and he relied on the results of her functional capacity evaluation to find she had permanent work restrictions. He opined she could not do "lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling more than 50 pounds and … [must] avoid any restraining of inmates or physical contact with prisoners." He noted that she had not shown a "response to extensive treatment." He attributed her condition to the April 3, 2005 injury, and noted that she had no prior back conditions. ("A". Exs. 3 & 4.)
18. The Plymouth County Retirement System inquired of the Wareham Police
Department whether or not Officer Kelsh was in the performance of her police duties when she was injured on April 3, 2005. The Police Department responded that she was. (Ex. 8)
19. A Medical Panel was convened on January 2, 2007 with: Dr. Thomas P. Galvin, an
orthopedist; Dr. John McConville, an orthopedist; and, Dr. Lalit Savla, a neurologist. The Panel physicians answered their certificate unanimously in the negative as to the existence of a disability. (Ex. 10)
20. The Panel physicians had knowledge that Ms. Kelsh worked as a Patrol Officer, and that she could not permanently perform only light duty work. They were aware that she had been moving tree branches on April 3, 2005 when she experienced "acute pain in her lower back as she sought to wrench branches entwined in vines." They were aware of the initial diagnosis of a low back sprain, and that she stayed out from work for three months before returning to work in July 2005 "in a limited capacity carrying out only desk work and eliminating her prior occupational responsibilities as a patrol officer." They were aware that she stopped working in August 2006. The Panel physicians understood Officer Kelsh had "no serious prior medical problems." They had knowledge of her course of testing and treatment following the April 3, 2005 injury. They understood that she takes medication for pain relief, had an epidural steroid injection that did not provide lasting relief, and that Dr. DiTullio, a neurosurgeon, had not recommended "aggressive invasive treatment for her lower back complaints." They Panel had knowledge of her ongoing pain complaints. They had reports before them of Dr. Jastram, Dr. Ananta who did the electrodiagnostic studies, and Dr. Mirani. The Medical Panel gave a physical examination and diagnosed, a "chronic, mild, intermittent lumbosacral muscular ligamentous strain." Although the Panel physicians did not discuss it, they had before them the results of the functional capacity evaluation. (Exs. 9 & 10. Testimony.)
21. The Medical Panel concluded that Officer Kelsh "did sustain an injury while in the
performance of her job duties, and has recovered sufficiently to the point where a disability can no longer be defined." The Panel physicians stated they found no incapacity from carrying out the essential duties of Officer Kelsh's job based on her job description. (Ex. 10)
22. The Plymouth County Retirement System voted to deny Ms. Kelsh's application for
accidental disability retirement benefits due to the Medical Panel finding of no disability. This decision was issued on January 30, 2007, and Officer Kelsh filed a timely appeal. ("A". Exs. 1 & 2.)
The Medical Panel's role in an accidental disability retirement claim is to address the
medical issues that are beyond the common knowledge and understanding of lay persons. Malden Retirement Board v. Contributory Retirement Appeal Board (CRAB), 1 Mass. 420 (1973) Determining medically whether Officer Kelsh recovered from her April 3, 2005 injury to perform the essential duties of a Wareham Patrol Officer again is such an issue. G. L. c. 32, § 7(1) sets forth the standard for determining the existence of a disability as an inability to carry out on a sustained basis the essential duties of the member's job. An ability to perform some of the duties is insufficient. Brookline Retirement Board v. CRAB, 33 Mass.App.Ct. 478 (1992) That is of particular significance here because there is no permanent light duty police officer job assignment for Wareham Police Officers.
In addressing the existence of a disability, the Medical Panel physicians must provide a report that adequately explains their negative certificate report. Kelley v. CRAB, 341 Mass. 611 (1961) In determining their certificate responses the Panel physicians have to consider all pertinent medical and non-medical information. Malden, supra. In determining whether the Medical Panel conducted a proper evaluation, the opinions of treating and other evaluating physicians can help to show the Panel physicians have not considered all pertinent medical facts, but such opinions cannot take the place of the Medical Panel findings. Wakefield Retirement Board v. CRAB, 352 Mass. 499 (1967)
A fair reading of the Medical Panel report shows the Panel physicians considered the
pertinent medical and non-medical information. Even though the Panel report does not specifically address the results of the January 17, 2006 functional capacity evaluation, the Panel physicians were provided with that document. (See, Exs. 9 & 19.) That testing showed to the test evaluators that Officer Kelsh could not undertake more than moderate work duties, which would not include the sometimes heavy physical activities that a Patrol Officer has to be able to undertake at all times. Such activities encompass apprehending suspects, restraining persons being placed under arrest, and doing heavy lifting and engaging in other sudden exertion in response to particular emergencies. But, the Medical Panel examined Officer Kelsh about a year after the functional capacity evaluation and concluded that she had recovered from the back strain she suffered on April 3, 2005. They found no residual physical limitations to prevent a return to full police duties. In finding no disability the Panel physicians make reference to the job description information listing the essential duties of a police officer. This job description information sufficiently conveys that a police officer has to engage in significant physical exertions, such as the kind she was undertaking on April 3, 2005. The Panel physicians simply find no continuing disability.
The Panel physicians do not agree with the findings of Dr. Mirani. His report in
support of Officer Kelsh's application is grounded in his assessment of the medical evaluations, test results, and her failure to improve despite various treatments. He does not point to any particular MRI or other test result to demonstrate why she continues to be disabled from full police work. The Panel physicians were also aware of Officer Kelsh's ongoing complaints of pain that she contends keep her from being able to carry out her full police duties. Nevertheless, the Panel physicians make clear they cannot find sufficient support for an ongoing disability.
Because Ms. Kelsh would be returning to perform work as a Police Officer, risk of re-
injury should be given consideration. In the case of Joshua Filipek v. Bristol County Retirement Board, CR-03-672 (DALA, 3/29/04) (CRAB, 12/23/04), CRAB remanded an accidental disability retirement claim to the same Medical Panel to consider a risk of re-injury if Mr. Filipek returned to work. CRAB explained: "Even if a member is physically capable of performing all of the essential duties of his or her position, he or she may be disqualified if a return to work would pose an unreasonable risk of serious harm to the member or third parties." CRAB further explained that the risk of re-injury has to reasonably be expected to involve a substantial harm. The standard contemplates that a less than serious harm is an acceptable risk. The standard also contemplates that re-injury or harm to third parties, is reasonably likely to occur. I conclude that applying the risk of re-injury standard to this Medical Panel's evaluation, shows the Panel physicians found there is no likelihood of a risk of serious re-injury or harm to others if Officer Kelsh returns to her full duties. This is because the Medical Panel adequately explained that Officer Kelsh recovered sufficiently from her injury of April 3, 2005 to carry out on a sustained basis all her regular required essential police duties.
For these reasons, the decision of the Plymouth County Retirement System is affirmed.
Sarah H. Luick, Esq.
Administrative Magistrate
DATED: June 12, 2008
This information is provided by the Division of Administrative Law Appeals .


text:
Both paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe and effective painkillers for children. However, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct dose. If you're not sure, get advice from your pharmacist, GP or health visitor.
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Ibuprofen can be given to relieve pain and reduce fever in children who are aged three months and over and weigh 5kg (11lbs) or more. Check the correct dose for your child's age.
Avoid ibuprofen if your child has asthma, unless advised otherwise by your GP.
Never give aspirin to children under 16 unless it's specifically prescribed by a doctor. It has been linked with a rare but dangerous illness called Reye's syndrome.
Liquid paracetamol and ibuprofen are available for babies and young children. Using an oral syringe – available from your pharmacist – makes it easier to measure the medicine and give it to your child.
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For more information, see:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wife Lives In Fear
NEWPORT CITY - William Swett, 59, of Brownington, VT, pleaded not guilty Sept. 13 to eleven charges that include one count of felony aggregated first degree domestic assault, four misdemeanor counts of violation of an abuse prevention order, three felony charges of attempted obstruction of justice, and three misdemeanor charges of violating conditions of release.Senior Trooper Andrew Jensen of the Vermont State Police wrote in an affidavit that, on May 24, the victim went to the Derby Barracks to speak about her husband, identified in court records as Swett. The victim told police that Swett had been getting increasingly violent to the point she had obtained a final relief of abuse order issued against him. At the time, the victim did not wish for police to arrest Swett as he was getting help through the Veteran's Hospital. Rather, she simply wished for advice on how to proceed. The victim told police that Swett became suddenly very angry and violent during a conversation and began to call her names. The victim said Swett broke glass all over the floor, threw things at her and struck her several times. She said Swett told her that he should have hit her on the head with a sledgehammer because she was stupid. The victim said Swett urged her to kill herself with a knife and a gun, saying, "You are going to be dead anyway, so just do it now." The victim said Swett told her, "You can do this the easy way or the hard way. Do it yourself so I don't have to. Make my life easy. You asked for it." The victim attempted to escape the house but Swett stopped her, she told police. He grabbed her arms and prevented her from leaving. He then placed both hands around her neck and began to choke her. She said she allowed herself to be taken back into the house to try and stop him from choking her.The victim said Swett let go of her and she ran into the bedroom and locked the door, but let him in after he started to bang on and splinter the door. Swett entered the room and kept grabbing her around the neck with her sweatshirt in his hands, saying nobody would believe he strangled her because he didn't leave any bruises.Later, police spoke to friends of the victim who verified that the victim had been living in fear. They said they had come to the home shortly after the initial incident and had observed marks on the victim's throat and arms, and that they often called there to make sure she was alright.The victim said that, after she had received a restraining order against Swett, he continued to call her, harass her, threaten her, and even sent her flowers.On May 24, 2011, the victim received flowers with a card signed "the Logger," a nickname Swett uses. Police obtained a subpoena and were able to determine that Swett had sent the flowers.On June 13, 2011, the victim reported to police that Swett contacted her 10 times. Swett wanted the victim to call him on his cell phone, but she refused. She told Swett that he shouldn't have called her and he got angry and said everything was her fault and she had ruined his life and had taken away his future. Swett begged the victim to fix it, but she said she couldn't. The victim said Swett went from being angry to calm. The victim said she hung up and called police, but Swett called her seven more times. The victim told police she thought Swett hated her and wished her dead, since he had told her that in the past. She said Swett had threatened her with a knife and a gun and had begged her to kill herself for his sake. On June 29, 2011, the victim again reported that Swett had called her at her home. Swett reportedly told the victim he needed to talk to her, that he loved her and didn't want a divorce. Swett told her he was somewhere in Chittenden County. The victim told Swett that they would be divorced, that she could never be near him or ever live with him and would always be afraid of him. Swett allegedly said he was getting better before he shoved her and that he is even better than that. Swett told the victim she is the one who can fix everything and, if she would just talk to him, everything would be better. Swett told the victim that he was out of time and the call disconnected. The victim told police she was scared that Swett would just show up.Judge Robert Bent set bail on the defendant at $15,000 as well as a series of conditions that included not contacting, harassing or being near the victim. Swett was also required to post a current physical address with the court before he could be released on bail.


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"Silver Linings Playbook" and "No Place on Earth" won the audience awards for narrative and docu film, respectively, at the Hamptons Film Festival on Sunday night. Tying for the narrative award from the Golden Starfish jury were Umat Dag's "Kuma" and Cate Shortland's "Lore," while the Golden Starfish for docu went to "Columbianos," directed by Tora Martens.
David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook" also won the Toronto Film Fest audience award, which like the Hamptons prize, has recently become an early awards season indicator. Docu "No Place on Earth" tells the story of a Jewish family who hid in a cave in the Ukraine for 511 days during the Holocaust.
Narrative cinematography prize went to "Lore," while Carlos Vallarino was awarded a special jury prize for his performance in "La Demora."
"Jason Becker Is Not Dead" won a special jury prize for inspiration, and the Golden Starfish for best short went to "The Curse," directed by Fyzal Boulifa.
Also during the 20th fest, Variety presented the annual 10 actors to watch list, while Ian Birnie received a Golden Starfish for curatorial excellence.


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I'M THE REAL MONSTERCataclysm - Dark Days Ahead
Granades are Russian roulette. One chamber has money, one has candy, two have blanks, one has rat-shot, and the last one has a bullet. You just got the bullet.
Z is the plane that jumps off the paper and into your face/desk


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Reliability truly does start here
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Artists: Noon
33 (0) 621 010 470
On Da Road…
Troyes, France
New York City, United States
Berlin, Germany
London, England
Gleisdorf, Austria
The Netherlands, Amsterdam
What year did you start tattooing?
How did you get into tattooing?
I grew up in an environment where lot of people were tattoed and as soon as I knew how to fix ink under the skin I started…. It was by hand at this time… In 1996, I met a guy that gave me the adress of Micky scharpz in England… I immediatly went there to buy my first machine and started to work with machine at the same time…
Where did you apprentice?
What conventions have you worked at? Have you won any awards?
I did NYC, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, and many more…. and I am currently sharing my time between France where I am living and London, Berlin and NYC. And every tattoo, as soon as my customer say "waow", is an award for me… I do not use to do contest, so I never got personaly any award as I never present any tattoo!!!!
How do you describe your style?
I can define it as a mix of singular art and abstract art…. I like to write "love" stories, so this is a main part of my work… And love is everywhere, so I have not finish to tell all of them….
What inspires you as an artist?
Lot of things…. I am really in love with all the abstract movement Picasso, braques, I am a great fan of Fernand Leger… I like also Jean dubuffet… I am a great fan of primary art or African art…. All the art brut or "art singulier" french movement too… I am really curious and I love art generally speaking…. So I am picking up mostly everywhere…..
What other mediums do you work in?
I use to paint also…
What tattoo artist's do you admire most?
I must first reference my friend Lionel- out of step. We started tattoing at the same time and we have pretty the same vision of the tattoo. And also our friend Yann Black that is now working in Montreal that opened this door where we went together with lionel… I have a lot of respect for tattoists that develop their own way as guy aitchinson, Bugs, Xed le head, Paul booth… that were our reference when I started 15 years ago…. and show us that we can go our way too…. By the new generation, I like the work of Lea Nahon, Xoil, Buena vista tattoo club, Jeff ensminger, Amanda Wachob, Diedo Brandi, Ondrash to tell just some of my prefered ones… but there are many others….
What kind of tattoos do you look forward to doing?


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One of the two companies competing to provide Greater Boston's commuter rail service is threatening to drop out if the MBTA does not provide key information by Friday, potentially leaving the state with only one bidder for the largest contract in Massachusetts history.
The MBTA had promised to create an even playing field in the competition for the $1 billion-plus commuter rail contract, even though one of the bidders, Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail, currently runs the system and has close personal ties to state transportation leadership.
But the only other bidder, Keolis America Inc., said that Mass Bay has not turned over to the MBTA crucial information on the railroad's huge labor costs, making it impossible for Keolis to complete its bid and undermining the MBTA's promise of fairness.
More than 70,000 commuters depend on the rail service daily, and MBTA officials had hoped robust competition might force bidders to promise better service and lower costs in order to win the contract.
"We can only conclude that [Mass Bay] is deliberately withholding this information" to hurt Keolis's chances of taking over the rail service next year, according to a March 27 letter to the MBTA from Astrid Stumpf, Keolis's commuter rail project manager.
Keolis, a subsidiary of one of the world's largest transportation companies, set a deadline of Friday to decide whether to drop out of the bidding, despite spending hundreds of thousands of dollars already in preparing to bid.
Officials from Mass Bay sharply disagreed with their competitor's characterization, saying "any suggestion that [Mass Bay] is withholding relevant information is false, inflammatory, and quiet frankly nonsense."
In a statement, released late Wednesday after first receiving a copy of the Keolis letter from the Globe, Mass Bay spokesman Scott Farmelant said the company has provided the MBTA "an unprecedented" amount of information — 10 gigabytes of digital information, or "the equivalent of a bookcase spanning the length of a football field."
Farmelant said the only type of information that Mass Bay has declined to provide concerns the firm's business practices, which the company statement said are "sensitive, proprietary . . . and outside the scope of similar public contract bids" nationwide.
MBTA officials, who are responsible for collecting information from Mass Bay on behalf of Keolis, said in a statement that they have "satisfied more than 90 percent" of Keolis's requests.
"The MBTA . . . continues to work diligently to provide the extraordinary volume of information requested" by Keolis, MBTA spokesman Joseph Pesaturo said in the statement.
Pesaturo also said the MBTA remains "strongly committed to conducting this complex process in a deliberate and determined manner" for the benefit of MBTA customers and Massachusetts taxpayers.
Twenty-five companies from all over the world initially expressed interest in competing for what is believed to be the most lucrative rail contract in North America, and one of the biggest state contracts of any kind in Massachusetts history.
But in the end only two stepped up to bid, which MBTA officials admitted was disappointing.
"We may be forced to withdraw from the competition."Astrid Stumpf, Keolis project manager, on Keolis's attempt to bid for the MBTA's commuter rail contract
MBTA officials said they had hoped for at least half a dozen competitors to help sharpen bids for an eight-year contract that currently pays the operator $300 million a year.
Final bids are due July 10.
The dispute centers mainly on labor cost for about 1,800 unionized employees and 200 managers on the rail line. Keolis officials said that labor represents about 70 percent of total costs, but that the firm has received little data on a workforce that will stay on the job no matter who wins the contract. Keolis wants more information on the cost of employee benefits, such as bonuses, health insurance, and pensions, and even the current number of employees.
Keolis officials also said that they have been furnished no detailed information on management costs, and that some of the information they have received is outdated, including documents from 2002.
Alan Eisner, a Keolis spokesman, said the firm has received what it considers unacceptable responses to 104 of its 133 requests for information. He said some of the information provided to date has been of little use because it is in Spanish or in a computer format that makes it nearly impossible to work with.
"What they have given us is either no information, partial information, or grossly out-of-date information," he said. "It's an overall pattern of going out of their way to obstruct our ability to make a rationale bid. We're hoping something can be worked out in short order. We want to stay in, but without the proper information we can't do it."
Eisner said it is up to the MBTA to pressure Mass Bay for the information.
"The T has been trying to get the information, but they need to step it up and lean on the incumbent a little harder," Eisner said.
Keolis originally entered the bidding for commuter rail service, knowing that Mass Bay appeared to be on the inside track if only due to Mass Bay's superior knowledge gained from running the system since 2003.
Mass Bay, which has collected more than $1 billion in fees from running the commuter rail, was founded by James O'Leary, a former MBTA general manager with deep local connections, including mentoring Richard A. Davey, the state's transportation secretary. Davey has abstained from involvement in the selection process.
Still, Keolis chief executive Steve Townsend told the Globe last year that he felt the company had a chance to win the contract.
"We would not be investing money into this without having satisfied itself that there's a level playing field," he said.
Now Keolis officials are not so sure that the playing field is level after all, calling Mass Bay's decision to withhold some information "ludicrous."
"We may be forced to withdraw from the competition," wrote Keolis's Stumpf in the letter to the MBTA.
"This of course will be a result most beneficial to MBCR and a travesty of the public bidding process," the firm said.Sean P. Murphy can be reached at smurphy@
globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @spmurphyboston.


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For schools on the traditional calendar, the new school year is just a month away and parents of school-age children need to start thinking about their son or daughter's health requirements. Brenner Children's Hospital pediatricians offers these back-to-school health tips. Parents of kindergartners are required to make sure their child's vaccinations are up-to-date. Parents should make an appointment now with their child's pediatrician to get their school health form filled out.
Most young children do not like getting shots. Knowing how to prepare them for this depends on the child's needs. If the child works well with knowing what to expect, then prepare him for what's ahead. If the child is anxious about shots, don't bring up the subject first. If he asks about shots, don't lie about it, that will only make it worse. It is better to say that it is up to the doctor whether or not they will receive shots that day. Sixth graders need a vaccine booster to go back to school. Parents of rising sixth graders should get their child's TDaP booster shot. The booster provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (also known as whooping cough). Sixth graders must have this booster within the first 30 days of the start of school. Scheduling an appointment now with your healthcare provider or local health department will ensure your child gets the booster in time.
. The other health requirement for students going back to school is sports physicals for students planning to participate in a school sport. Sports physicals look for different conditions depending on the sport. Your child can get the required sport physical form from the coach of the sport they want to play.
Staying healthy during the school year is a goal for every parent and their child. It can be tougher for kindergartners because they are exposed to germs and viruses that they haven't built immunity against. That's why you should teach your child proper hand washing, to not share drinks and don't send your child to school if the child has a fever.
Appointments Toll-Free
Locally Toll-Free -446-2255
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.


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Friday, January 14, 2011
Cross Stitched Names
11 comments:
Custom framing is ridiculous, isn't it? I don't know how 50% off is still outrageous! Anyway... your cross stitch is gorgeous! You have two lucky nieces!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 15, 2011 at 7:16:00 AM PST
These are very sweet and I love this idea!!ReplyDelete
I like your blog,Thanks for this blog with good pictures related to the news.ReplyDelete
Those turned out lovely! I haven't done cross-stitching in years. I'm sure your nieces loved them. Thanks for linking! ps. I'd love it if you added my party link to your list.ReplyDelete
those look great! i've always wanted to learn how to cross stitch.ReplyDelete
Gorgeous keepsakes for the lucky recipients! I'm a cross-stitcher too, so I can definitely appreciate the time and effort that you put into these. Great job. :)ReplyDelete
Beautiful work! Your nieces will love then forever!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 20, 2011 at 1:00:00 PM PST
These are lovely. I have two new granddaughters, born in 2010, and would love to do this for them. I have done a few cross stitch items myself. Where did you get the alphabet? Is that available online somewhere? Thank you. Christine =^..^=ReplyDelete
I think they are beautiful. What a wonderful gift idea.ReplyDelete
These are so pretty! I was just talking to a coworker about how she was always sad as a child because she could never find her name on anything (not a very common name). These days it seems like kids are named some very interesting names with strange spellings. At least with a gift like this, you can personalize it and everyone can have their name spelled right!ReplyDelete
What a thoughtful gift idea! Your stitching is just beautiful. I love them both, especially the alphabet you used for "Maryanne".ReplyDelete
Comments. I like 'em. If you have a question please email me (my email is on the sidebar) and I promise I'll reply in a timely fashion.


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Site/Forum/Wiki: www.offspringportugal.com
Sorry if this has been posted in a previous post, i havnt checked. One with noodles on ultimate-guitar.com
Offspring's Noodles: 'I Don't Care To Argue How Punk I Am'
tru punnxxx!11!!11
Carrie Underwood is the reason God made Oklahoma.
That's a really cool interview. I'd never seen it before. Thanks very much for posting
"T H E R A P Y ? - Music to take your clothes off to"
Maybe it's an old interview that Ultimate Guitar had archived for further using....thats how I feel about this record thats coming out.
its from may or so.
My Covers:we can't help it that members of the female species brains suddenly dissappear when talking on the phone
Defy You
Dirty Magic (acoustic)
TKAA (acoustic cover)
Covers I helped with:
Video from The Offspring Live in Charlotte:
Shiiit that's a long interview/article! Thanks.
Ståle / Norway / (time to get back)
joined 03-29-2008 with the account manic subsida.
That was a damn long interview. And very good too. Now I'm just really wondering how Noodles' original solo for Nothingtown sounded.
* !


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Tips for maintaining your car during colder weather
As temps plummet, auto shops see a rise in winter-related repairs
Tips for maintaining your car during colder weather
As temps plummet, auto shops see a rise in winter-related repairs
NEW ORLEANS, La. —
With wind chills falling into the 30s across southeast Louisiana Tuesday morning, WDSU went in search of several easy car maintenance tips to make sure you're not on the side of the road. WDSU spoke with Bubby Starr, owner of Starr Auto Care Center, for advice.
- Make sure your fluids are changed regularly. This includes: Oil, power steering, transmission, wiper fluid and more. How often each fluid should be changed depends on the car and the type of fluid. Starr said people can change their own fluids if they are comfortable doing so, but if not they should it into a shop. He also said most of these fluid changes can be done when you have your oil changed.
- Check your tire pressure. Cold weather causes air to contract and likely means your tires will lose pressure.
- Test your battery. Cold weather can amplify the aging of a battery and cause it to die more quickly. Battery testing can be done at a shop, or you can purchase a tester at your local auto shop for around $50.
- Starr said to make sure you have a wiper fluid that will not freeze. Starr recommends using a fluid that has alcohol, because those with anti-freeze sometimes create a film on your wind shield.
- It's recommended you let your car run for at least two or three minutes before driving. If you do so, make sure to open your garage door or move your car outside so deadly carbon monoxide does not build up inside.


text: Donald Kittell, an administrative assistant for the Associated Negro Press, writes to Dr. King regarding his four "My Dream" columns. Enclosed in the letter is a copy of each column. Dr. King writes on a variety of topics such as social justice, equality, nonviolence and the progress of the Civil Rights Movement.


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Social media has received a lot of hype, but few companies have been able to demonstrate measurable returns on their social investments. This has been due to the fact that most brands have not yet implemented an optimized framework for their social campaigns. However, if you have the right tools and advice, it's remarkably easy to develop a social marketing strategy that will drive measurable business returns, while integrating with traditional marketing channels and campaign data.
In this informative webinar, Richard Jones, CEO at EngageSciences will illustrate how social marketing has now reached an inflection point, where brands are able to achieve consistent results from their social marketing activities. He will highlight the platforms and processes marketers need to put in place to achieve recognition at the boardroom table. And he will outline the strategies that leading brands are implementing today, and the impressive results they're achieving.
The social media marketers of today could be the CMOs of tomorrow, if they are able to help their organizations leverage the opportunity that marketing on social channels represents to the bottom line. Don't miss it.
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Freddie H. Fu, MD, has been the chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) since 1998, where he is the David Silver Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. He has been the head team physician for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics since 1986.
Dr. Fu is known worldwide for his pioneering surgical techniques to treat sports-related injuries to the knee and shoulder and his extensive scientific and clinical research in the biomechanics of such injuries. Because of his reputation, Dr. Fu attracts both athletic and non-athletic patients from all over the globe.
He also was instrumental in the establishment of the Sports and Preventive Medicine Institute in 1985. Under Dr. Fu's medical directorship, the facility - now called the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex - has grown into one of the world's largest, most comprehensive and highly regarded sports medicine clinical and research centers. In 2000, this world-class center moved to its new home within the expansive, state-of-the-art UPMC Sports Performance Complex. The complex, partly designed by Dr. Fu, also houses the indoor and outdoor training facilities of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Dr. Fu holds secondary appointments at the university as professor of physical therapy and health physical and recreational education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. He also holds an honorary doctorate of science degree from Point Park University and an honorary doctorate of public service from Chatham College.
He also established the University of Pittsburgh's Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, which attracts physicians from all over the world to learn surgical techniques and conduct research with Dr. Fu and his colleagues in the department of orthopaedic surgery.
Dr. Fu received undergraduate and post-graduate degrees at Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Medical School before earning his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 1977. Continuing his training at Pitt, he then completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery and a fellowship in orthopaedic research. Dr. Fu also fulfilled an internship in general surgery at Brown University and an international fellowship at the Hanover Trauma Center in Germany.
He joined the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine faculty in 1982 as an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery and director of sports medicine. He become clinical vice chairman of the department of orthopaedic surgery in 1990 and executive vice chairman in 1994. He is the editor of 26 major orthopaedic textbooks and author of 79 book chapters on the management of sports injuries. He has contributed to more than 215 international peer-reviewed research publications and has given more than 650 national and international presentations to his peers. Former president of the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, he has been a member of 55 other professional and academic medical organizations.
More than 90 professional awards and numerous major research grants garnered by Dr. Fu are the result of his efforts in clinical, basic scientific and biomechanical research concerning sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery. In 1996, the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) honored Dr. Fu with the President's Challenge Award for his tutelage in advancing the quality of health care related to sports medicine. In 2002, Dr. Fu became the sponsor of the annual NATA New Investigator Award, and he was named as one of three University of Pittsburgh Distinguished Alumni Fellows because of his "inspiration to countless students, athletes, colleagues and the broader community."
Because of Dr. Fu's medical achievements and their impact locally as well as world-wide and his many contributions to enrich the Pittsburgh community, at the end of 1999, Pittsburgh Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential Pittsburghers of the 20th century. He is consistently listed in the magazine's annual "Best Doctors" issue. Also in 1999, the Allegheny Cycling Association gave Dr. Fu its award for Outstanding Service to the Cycling Community in recognition of Dr. Fu's sponsorship of many local cyclists and his constant support of many local cycling events. In May 2002, the YMCA of Pittsburgh honored Dr. Fu with its 28th Annual Person of the Year award. And, in 2004, Dr. Fu was named Vector's Pittsburgh Man of the Year for Community Service.
A brief look at Dr. Fu's extensive community involvement includes service as co-chairman of the Pittsburgh Local Organizing Committee of the 2005 Summer National Senior Games - The Senior Olympics; chairman of the board and executive medical director of the City of Pittsburgh Marathon Inc. from 1985 through 2003; company physician and member of the board of trustees for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre; and team physician for Mt. Lebanon High School. Dr. Fu is also involved in the WQED Children's Festival Chorus and honorary board member of the Parental Stress Center. He has served as honorary chairman for various functions of the Pittsburgh Employment Alliance and is an active member of the Organization of Chinese Americans.
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text:
Writer-William Welch
Dir-Harry Harris
Music--some by Bernard Herrman for GARDEN OF EVIL & KING OF THE KHYBER RIFLES).
The tunnel crew watch on the screen as the image of Tony and Doug flying through time suddenly freezes stiff (there is no opening narration). The staff are getting bad feedback which will burn the boys to death if they don't fix it soon. Kirk orders them to send the pair back to where they were, reverse them. Ann and Ray think they can but a voice calls, "No," a voice they don't hear. They too are suddenly frozen. An odd man with grayish-white beard and moustache is holding onto one of the towers. We see down from his viewpoint before we even see him. This look down at the tunnel complex is rare and it is hardly ever seen from another vantage point such as this one. The man jumps down from the tower, his black cape flowing...or was he flying down (this short jump was filmed in slow motion and is very effective). The being looks at the tunnel computers and machinery, "Such ado about a common place bit of magic." He commands that the time travellers Tony and Doug appear before him and after several blasts the two appear, standing stiff, in the tunnel mouth! The tunnel never looked better and it seems very big and imposing, impressive. The complex is well lit in this story and during the last few episodes it was not as dark a place, allowing us to see more of its wonderful design. The man, calling himself Merlin, smiles, "Welcome gentlemen. Welcome home." End of cliffhanger. The teaser goes on to have the being, Merlin, claim he is soon to be the court magician to one Arthur Pendragon and he presses Tony and Doug into service--they are needed to help Arthur shape Camelot. He tells them they will do whatever he asks and that they must rely on their own wits and future intellect to help the far past...they may not succeed but he will do what he can to make sure they do. He bids them goodbye and sends them back into the vortex; then tells Ann, Ray, and Kirk he will meet them again and he vanishes. Ann, Ray, Kirk, and the others in the complex can now move again. Ray finishes his statement which was stopped by Merlin. They reverse polarity and when they do they think it was that which made Tony and Doug unfreeze in the vortex, the pair landing near rocks, almost hitting them. Tony points to a castle near the coast. Doug figures they are a long way back, Tony--the Middle Ages of earlier. Two Vikings rush into the glade, one with a spear, the other with a torch and shield.
As Act one opens, the two men fight the two Vikings and we see a rare long shot from overhead, one of many well filmed fight sequences in this episode, much better than those in THE KIDNAPPERS. Next, after this brief interlude, a freeze frame image holds on the Viking raising his torch at Doug and we see the titles. Tony gets the spear from the Viking he is fighting and wards him off, as Doug does the same to his Viking. Next, a younger man with long dark hair comes out of the forest to them, holding them at sword point. Tony warns him that he will run him through with the spear if the man doesn't put away his sword. He tells the man they come from America which Arthur wonders if it exists in his terms. Doug answers, "We're beginning to wonder." Doug goes on to tell him he and Tony want no part of his fight against these raiding Vikings when Arthur tells them they are good warriors. Arthur calls them cowards and rushes them but Merlin appears from thin air and makes Tony and Doug pledge to Arthur. Tony feels as if he knows who this magician is. Merlin is gone when they turn back to ask him something. They move through the forest.
The tunnel staff watch on the image screen. They need 15 minutes for power build up. Ann gets the coast of Cornwall, England, the 6th Century, 544 AD. Arthur tells them his castle, his father's castle once before Wogan killed him, is held by Vikings. They need to get it back. Two Vikings attack them! More run into the forest area where they have stopped for the moment. Five or six more Vikings rush in. One with a hugely big hat with over large horns, watches the battle with glee. One Viking uses a knife to try to stab Arthur from behind as he beats another Viking down but Tony stabs the Viking down. Doug gets a sword from one Viking, fighting one after another. He doesn't get time to use the sword...another Viking stabs him in the area of the heart and he falls. This scene is shocking as it is unexpected and Doug appears to fall and die.
Two sidenotes here: Vikings did not wear horns or horned helmets so the episode is not correct on this. Not all Vikings were blond, blue eyed, muscular giants but most of them were fair complexioned. On this count the episode is correct. Vikings wore round or pointed caps of leather or heavy cloth. Later, these would be metal. Standard equipment: the helmet, shield, and some type of hand weapon. While the axe was most prominent among the Vikings, the sword was his favorite and this shows in the episode. Vikings used longbows from 1400 BC so the episode will score high for that. They also used throwing spears. Most Vikings wore no armor other than their everyday clothes. Viking helmets never had horns, wings, or any other projecting decoration. The Celts of the Iron Age did use horned, winged, and crested helmets. Vikings sometimes wore nasals. Most Viking sources claim the raids of Vikings on Europe began in the year 793 and went on to 1347. It is not impossible other attacks and raids occurred before this recorded history but in the episode, Kirk seems to say that in the history research he's found that Viking raiders were very common in 544! Wogan's name does not appear in any historical references I've checked but that doesn't mean he didn't exist. His name suggests the names of Odin--Voden, Woden, Wotan, and Wuotan. At least one source mentions they are similar, Odin and Wotan but that Wotan is only interested in war and death, killing and having killed. Odin had other interests so they may have not been the same.
The other note is the existence of King Arthur and when. Perhaps it is easier to start with Guinevere, the daughter of King Leodegrance of Cameliard in the mythic saga derived from the literature version of Arthur. Her marriage to Arthur was said to be one of political convenience and she first arrived at Arthur's court at 16. For some reason in the episode, Guinevere has not yet met Arthur or known who he is. It seems Merlin and Doug are the reason she becomes involved with Arthur. The other version of Guinevere and Arthur comes from what historians figure may be the real King Arthur. In any event, the historic Arthur appears to have died in the Battle of Camlann in 537 BC. The literary, mythic Arthur was proposed to ahve died in 463 AD. Either way, the timeline in MERLIN THE MAGICIAN is off; however the timelines of historians, literary scholars studying the poems and stories of Arthur are admittedly off and are at best, only best estimates. Thus, the episode can be forgiven for this. Galahad joined the Round Table, supposedly in 454 AD and that made the round table complete. Arthur's father is supposedly named Uther Pendragon but was raised by Merlin and Sir Ector of the Forest Sauvage, raised as the son of Ector. More on all of this later.
It is difficult to hear what is said but it sounds like Arthur and Wogan discuss Uther or Ector (sounds more like Uther) when speaking of how Wogan killed his father in cold blood and took over the castle. Wogan laughs at Arthur calling him the young man who roars like a lion. Wogan's hat is really ridiculous and it is a testimony to the actor Vincent Beck that he makes Wogan so menacing even with such a silly hat (the boys on MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER would have a field day with this hat).
Ray and Ann lead a stunned silence in the tunnel complex in 1968. Technicians, other scientists (at least one or two are females), and engineers gather round, all quiet at what they have just seen--what they tell a returning Kirk---Doug is dead. They saw him run through by a Viking sword and his body was dragged away. The fix is lost now that Tony and Doug are separated. Ann just stands there wondering what difference it makes now that Doug is dead. Kirk puts his arm on her and orders her to snap out of it and do a probe for Tony--Tony is still alive! She nods and walks out of the tunnel. Kirk tells Ray about his report--in the 6th Century in England there were feudal kings and constant Viking raids and they have landed Tony and Doug right in the middle of it. Ray murmurs it probably cost them their lives. Kirk tries to steady Ray, "Ray, I know how you feel, I feel the same way myself. Don't write off either Tony or Doug just yet. We still might be able to save them."
Ray comments it would take a miracle. Kirk replies, "It's something of a miracle that they're back there in the first place." Ray forces a smile, "I suppose it is." Ann gets a signal and they see Tony chained to a stone wall by one wrist. He tries to reach a torch and sweating and pulling on the chain, he gets it, burning the chain holding him. He uses the hay laying around in the chamber to start a small fire. He calls the guard in and hides. Why didn't the guard look in at where Tony was supposed to be chained up? Didn't he wonder who started the fire? Tony wraps the chain around his hand (I think it is still around his wrist). He readies it to attack the guard from behind.
Act Two opens with Tony fighting the man, ultimately pushing the face of the man into a barrel of water or some other liquid. Arthur is unconscious, hanging by both his wrists in another cell, his shirt and overcoat tunic off. Kirk, Ann, Ray, and the others watch as they see him. Kirk mentions the once and future king. Ray reminds him that there never was a real King Arthur (some modern day historians disagree) and that Arthur was just a myth, a fairy tale. Kirk once again mentions a miracle. Ray scoffs, "We've no time for romantic nonsense." Despite Ann and Ray's misgivings over Doug, the want to switch Tony away now. Kirk wants to be sure about Doug before they do that. Ann and Ray claim they saw him killed. Ann would like nothing more than to start the ordered probe for Doug but knows better--he is dead. Kirk orders her to do it. Ray tells her, "Better follow orders," as she looks at them both. Ann says, "Yes sir," to Ray. A note on the tunnel--it looks better than ever and it activates, the sensor sounds singing out (the sound effect which is used as the radiation belts seen in LOST IN SPACE's HUNTER'S MOON, THE GHOST PLANET, and THE FLAMING PLANET among others). Shocked, the others react with excitement, it can only mean Doug is still alive somehow.
Doug awakens in another castle or fort. He sees a girl in a light blue dress and headpiece--Guinevere. Merlin is there also and he explains he found Doug's body where they put it and brought him here. Doug wonders how--Merlin left the forest before the fight. Merlin tells him it is one of his trade secrets--how he found Doug. Merlin orders Guinevere to get him some new clothes and when she refuses--he must rest--she claims the wound was nearly mortal--Merlin shows her he is well. He stares deeply into Doug's eyes and orders him to sit up. Doug does and finds out his wound is gone and there is no pain at all. Merlin orders the girl, "Well, go, girl, go." Doug is indebted to Merlin--who explains he knows all about the future. Merlin tells Doug his name as he vanishes in front of Doug...from the feet up and slowly. Doug, who has seen vanishings, is stunned as this vanishing is slower and Merlin's body vanishes from bottom up...his neck and head the last thing to vanish. This makes for a nice change from the usual pop ins and outs common to this series and to this episode in particular (as well as PIRATES OF DEADMAN'S ISLAND). The vanishing reminds me of a few used sometimes on BEWITCHED (especially the episode with her leprechaun cousin Edgar and almost any time Esmerelda gets nervous and vanishes slowly).
Tony, quite the Conan the barbarian in this episode, chokes a Viking guard from behind with the chain, dunking his face into another barrel of water (quite handy these barrels, eh?), forcing him to tell him where Arthur's cell is--it is on the right hand side. Tony lets the man drop and then takes his clothes. Using the ever ready chain, Tony hits the other guard down and opens the door, getting Arthur down, waking him, and getting his overcoat. Arthur tells of a secret room and Tony brings him to it--it is behind a piece of the wall that moved open. Another Viking watched them go inside. In this episode, it seems there are very many Vikings about---which is as it should be.
At Guinevere's father's castle, knights practice sword fighting and it seems to be daytime again...although almost all the 544 scenes seem to be very dark, making this past age seem all the more remote. It is one of the furthest times Tony and Doug have gone to. Actually this time they were sent by Merlin, not the tunnel. The girl tells Doug of Tony and Arthur's capture. Her father doesn't have enough knights to rescue them and the castle is several (seven ?) leagues south. Doug tells Guinevere to stay. The fix on Doug is perfect. Ann and Ray talk of miracles over Doug's reviving. For the record, I suspect he was dead...Merlin used his power to revive...resurrect him. I could have sworn I actually saw this scene at one time..perhaps on the TV movie version...I just thought I recalled Merlin in the forest reviving Doug and then moving him via magic but I guess this is not so. I have checked two versions of the aired episode version and have not found such a scene. Kirk, Ann, and Ray discuss holding a fix on Doug while trying to establish one on Tony--they've never done this before but they try it. Ann tries to stabilize the fix on Tony. Tony and Arthur rest and talk, Arthur revealing he is Arthur Pendragon. They get a good fix on Tony and prepare to switch him and Doug at the same time. When Kirk order the transfer, Merlin's voice says, "No!" Merlin appears and orders them not to. Kirk orders Ann to do it and she tries but a blast from the console knocks her out of her seat. Kirk questions Merlin as Ray helps Ann up. Merlin doesn't want to quibble...he hasn't time for it...the longer he spends here debating, the chances Tony and Doug will die increase. The techs (again a few are female) in the background watch in astonishment. Merlin gets Kirk to answer who the General is and almost what he is in charge of but Kirk, in a semi humorous fashion, stops himself, realizing Merlin almost made him talk. Merlin seems to wait for Kirk to finish.
A word on Chris Cary. He makes a splendid Merlin and is so many things: mysterious, humorous, sarcastic, menacing, magical, commanding, almost friendly (calling Ann young lady at one point), and utterly charming. It is difficult, even to this day, to think of anyone who would make a better Merlin--and many have tried in films like EXCALIBER and others and many of these actors have come close and put their own interpretation on Merlin but none have come close to Cary's performance and presence..a delightful mix. He makes this episode, not bad in acts one through three, much better than it should have been. It is also a very talky episode. Despite being a proponent of the tunnel complex scenes, the ones here are a bit overlong and talky. Cary saves these scenes and for once, Ray gets a bit more to do.
Kirk asks Merlin more questions. The black caped magician says, "I deal in history before the fact. Certain things are written down in the pages of prophecy--it's my job to give them a little nudge towards fulfillment." This sounds a bit like the VOYAGERS! opening line of character time traveller Phineaus Bogg. VOYAGERS! is another excellent time travel series, a bit like THE TIME TUNNEL but different in as many ways as it is similar. Kirk responds, more friendly now, "We're very much in the same business. Certain things are written down in the pages of history. It's my job to see that they're not changed." Ann challenges Merlin to stop them from switching Tony and Doug. He points at her and moves at her, telling her with magic and that he is a powerful wizard. Ray moves in front of Ann, protectively, telling Merlin that he and Ann don't believe in magic. Merlin laughs, telling him that the 20th Century is the very heyday of magic. To convince Ray of his power in magic, Merlin waves his hand and makes Ray vanish!
Act Three starts as Ann wanders around the room, calling for "Dr. Swain." Music from the pilot is heard. Merlin tells Kirk that the man is still with them. He makes Ray visible again--Ray is standing on one of the consoles. Ann asks Ray if he is hurt as she and another tech (in a blue Seaview uniform) help him down. Ray seems to take this with a temper, answering her, "Of course not!" Merlin sits down in the console chair as the three talk with him, they are standing. He tells them he needs Tony and Doug. Magic can only accomplish so much, after that it takes the energies of ordinary mortals dedicated to a cause. Ray tells Merlin, "We'll shift them in spite of you." Merlin utters a friendly warning, "Don't." With that he vanishes and the tech talk and react.
The spying guard leads Wogan and other Vikings to the secret wall hideout. They rush in and six swords soon face Arthur and Tony. Guinevere has followed Doug into the woods. She wants to warn him of the many raiding parties in the forests, seemingly unaware he planned to leave the castle at all. She wants to show him a better way to get to the castle where Tony and Arthur are being held. As they talk, Doug planning to get her back to her father's castle, they hear a Viking horn blowing. A Viking holds Guinevere as another attacks Doug. Another arrives. Doug kicks both down but more arrive and capture him, surrounding him. The tunnel personnel watch as they are taken away. Kirk tells Ray and Ann to switch Tony and Doug now. Ann doesn't want to, she tells Ray, "Ray, I'm just not sure." Ray tells them Merlin was just a fake magician using mass hypnosis. Kirk isn't so certain but Ray is, telling them it is the only scientific explanation. Well, now. Where did Ray think this fake magician came from, how he knew about the tunnel, made him invisible, moved him, and vanished several times himself? And for what purpose would a fake magician attack the tunnel with mass hypnosis...a foreign spy? Ray wasn't having a good day here. He tries to switch them but a major blast knocks him flat on his face. Ann yells, "Oh, Ray," and Kirk checks him. Ann asks, "He's not..." Kirk tells her no but she must get help for him. Ann runs for help as two female technicians watch.
Tony and Arthur each have both their wrists held up by wooden shackles hanging from the ceiling. Doug is brought in, punches, and also shackled in the same way. Guinevere is brought to Wogan and she calls him, "The Viking butcher." He smiles at her, "I'm honored." They talk and he is sly and cunning, slimy in his words and looks. He has other plans for her as he explains while taking a knife and sticking it in a table and then pulling it out again, fingering it. When he is king of England, he will barter her off to some powerful young nobleman to ally that man with himself. Why should a Viking care about that? He seems to just take what he wants by force with his army or is it crew? He must first crush all resistance in England. She claims he will never be king. He cuts her ropes and warns her not to try to escape--she can't. He tells her to make herself comfortable.
Tony awakens and sees Doug, "It is you. I thought I was dreaming." They talk. Tony doesn't feel the time tunnel will be able to switch them...they would have already done that if they could. Doug feels Merlin is their only hope. Tony is more doubtful, more negative, taking on the role Doug usually supplied in the earlier episodes, "Merlin's no friend of ours, he's the one who got us into this." Doug ponders out loud, "Is he good or is he evil?" This silly statement nevertheless gives us another reason to like this interpretation of Merlin: we don't know if he is good or evil. He certainly isn't totally evil or totally good. He seems to be working for himself...using everyone involved and isn't very nice to Guinevere. Wogan comes in with a bowman and another Viking. The later throws water on Arthur to wake him up. Arthur and Doug tell Wogan their is resistance--Guinevere's father. Wogan just laughs this off, "A handful of pretty knights. I hope they come soon." He orders the bowman to kill all three of them. This is what villains should always do. The BATMAN villains constantly capture their enemies Batman and Robin (and sometimes Batgirl in the 3rd season) and never just straightforward shoot them or kill them. The Bond villains also had this problem. Not Wogan--he orders them killed here and now, or is it then and there? But what does the oaf do? He walks out and takes the Viking with him! As the bowman aims at Arthur, Tony asks Doug, "Where's your Merlin now?" Doug was sure he'd appear to help. The bowman shoots Arthur in the lower chest and Arthur's head lowers as he dies! Another shocking scene, not just for its violence (a lot of that in this episode), but for its unexpected value. It is a wake up call.
The less interesting act four follows as Tony is aimed at next. He looks right at the bowman. Merlin appears, frightening the bowman. Tony tells Merlin, "You're a little late." Merlin puts time in reverse, pointing at Arthur, making lightning occur. The arrow comes out of Arthur and goes back out and onto the floor. The bowman runs out. Merlin bemoans the fact, "I didn't want to put time into reverse--I've already violated every rule in the book." He makes their shackles vanish, telling them he's used up almost all his magic and can only perform one more feat for some time to come. Somethings, he goes on, must be done by men (well, then, what is he?). He mentions the future, prompting Arthur to ask what they know about the future after Merlin once more vanishes. Tony and Doug avoid this and find thumb screws (used for torture) and a metal barrel of water (?) or some other liquid. They attach the lid of the some barrel using the thumb screws and then placing it against the door, light it with the torch. As they discuss what they will do next, the pot heats up and acts like a pressure cooker with no release valve--blowing the door outward. Doug wants to rescue Guinevere but Arthur wants to stay with the castle and retake it. Tony wonders how with only three of them. Tony tells Doug to go get Guinevere's father's men--calling him something like Artigan or something like that...Darren seems to be murmuring, mumbling, or whispering his way through this episode. Arthur knows a way Doug can get out.
At complex, Kirk comes back from behind the tunnel and the infirmary, telling Ann Ray has had a severe electrical shock but is better. The doctor gave him a sedative and he will keep him resting there in the infirmary. Ann laments it is her fault she feels, "I should never have let him touch those controls." Ann wonders what they will do now that they've lost the image. Kirk has ordered emergency electronics experts to go over all the controls.
We see the darker castle as Tony hides waiting for Arthur's return. Eight or more Vikings run by and he ducks behind a wall. In this episode it does seem as if there are hundreds of Vikings about...to its credit. Arthur returns to Tony who wasn't sure it was him and not another Viking. He's found Guinevere's room, it is heavily guarded but he knows yet another secret way! Considering what the last few have gotten them into...anyhow, Doug leads the prim and pretty (by Wogan's standards I mean) knights (all three or four of them) toward the castle and he gives them orders! Merlin is suddenly there (no appearance this time and it is refreshing to just have him standing there instead). He calls the men of Guinevere's father--the men of King Vulacan or something...no one can say this man's name clearly or correctly. Vikings only fear other Vikings, Merlin gets what he calls an inspired thought from this and makes Doug and the man next to him into Vikings. He also makes the other two men Vikings. This was the last miracle he had saved up: storm the castle with Vikings. We hear more JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH music as he does this. Does Doug feel his face because its suppose to be grizzled or was that just in the script or what? The other men, the knights, also get beards and new Viking clothes...or from the raggy look of them...old Viking clothes. Merlin is out of miracles...now it is up to Doug.
We don't see from where or how, but Tony and Arthur sneak up to the rafters of the tower top. They have a brief fight with the two Vikings guarding the top of the tower. Arthur takes one's sword, Tony knocks the sword out of the other's hand and punches him. Arthur stabs the man he is fighting through the belly; Tony kicks his man and as the man runs at him, he and Arthur work together to toss him over the top of the protective wall. In stock footage fashion, the Viking flies off the tower and falls down to his death, screaming. No one heard? Arthur climbs down a rope which Tony holds and he goes into window that is Guinevere. The fall of the Viking and the far shots of climbing down the tower come from stock footage (most likely PRINCE VALIANT). Guinevere asks who Arthur is. Why she doesn't know him is not explained, yet she knew of the way to the castle. Arthur, curtesy of more stock footage, climbs back up to Tony. Tony was watching the hundreds of torches heading their way, held by Doug and Vikings...guess they wanted to be seen as they made their way to the secret attack. Hmmmmm. The parade of torches is more stock from VALIANT. While the first three acts only used brief establishing shots of stock footage--mostly exteriors of the castles, act four more than makes up for it by the extreme use of stock footage. Arthur tells Tony that Guinevere is beautiful and frightened and he should like to get to know her better. Tony comments, "You will." He gives the signal using the torch he has (no one else saw?). He and Arthur leave. The stabbed Viking is apparently only wounded and he crawls over to the horn and blows it, alerting the other Vikings to arms. Tony, in the halls, hides as the other Vikings run past. Many Vikings prepare (more stock) and the other Vikings outside begin to batter the gates down. The gates closing, the attack on the castle, the reprisals from the walls of the castle, and other shots are all stock. No sign of Doug as the Vikings from Prince Valiant prepare a battering ram, are burned when hot oil is dropped on them, etc.
A call to arms distract Wogan, who confronts Tony and Guinevere in the hallway near an arch. Tony uses the torch to knock Wogan's shield down from his hand and Tony grabs it up when Wogan attacks him with his sword. Wogan takes the shield away but Tony uses the fallen torch. Tony gets the fallen sword just as Wogan rushes him (with a knife upraised) and Tony holds the sword up and runs Wogan through the chest. This episode must rank as one of the most violent and Tony commits most of the violence! We hear more LAST WAGON music as the dates closed, the battering ram is used, and there is also music from PRINCE VALIANT. Vikings from Merlin break through the wall despite hot oil being dropped on them, igniting many of them to death.
Kirk runs into the complex and tells Ann the circuits are safe now. She hesitantly tries the controls and gets a fix on the boys (as General Kirk calls them). Tony and Doug wave to Arthur who is in the courtyard with Guinevere in a nice set. Old King Luigan is giving Arthur the hand of Guinevere in marriage to Arthur and as part of the dowry he is giving them a large round table. Merlin says, "Things do have a way of sort of working themselves out." What a hoot! He worked them out mostly and then when he couldn't--he used Doug and Tony to! He tells the pair of time travellers that Arthur will make them the first knights of the Round Table. The vanish and Merlin tilts his head in thought as we hear a brief bit of goofy LOST IN SPACE music (circa the second year--?). He says, "The age of miracles has just begun."
CLIFFHANGER: Ann, Ray, and Kirk watch a lot of static on the screen. They are getting interference but from channels they never use--one hundred to infinity. Another tech is sitting at the console to Ann's left. We also see another female technician working in the background. As Ray wants a check run, calling for it, a blast of light and smoke occurs, after which a silver suited man with a glass dome over his head appears! He points to Ann, "I have come for you." Music used during this sequence is chock full of the great JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH music by Bernard Herrman. The being moves at Ann; Kirk touches him and falls from an electric shock field and the being then shoots some type of laser from his medallion which is worn around his neck and makes a guard who attacked him fall (dead?). Later, Kirk asks the other guards to take him to the infirmary just after the being vanishes with Ann in his arms---after touching her and electrifying her, also after tossing Ray aside--who was trying to protect Ann. Kirk recovers and Ray tells him Ann is gone, calling him General as he usually does. Ray also makes himself useful by finding a metal object OTT dropped when Ann grabbed at him to try to free herself. They looks it over, thinking it reminds them of their computer data processing cards (and for 1968 this is correct---computers were all on cards with punch holes in them and tied together with rubber bands and run through computers separately!) only this one is alien as it is metal. Kirk figures if they put it into their computer it might give them the coordinates to where the creature took Ann---and Kirk figures they can send Tony and Doug there to help get her back! As Ray puts it into the machine he says, "I hope this doesn't jam the machine." This is the least exciting cliffhanger.
Riothamus is from Rigotamos, the name meaning Supreme King, roughly. It is the name which a British Commander of the 5th Century is known to European historians of the Middle Ages. There is no doubt of his reality as documented by three historians and a poet. This man whose real name may have been Artorius was preceded by Vortigern as king. This Vortigern was also the same one who preceded Arthur in the mythic Arthurian legends. Vortigern hired Saxon mercenaries to help Briton repel other Saxons and Pictish invasion. The king then defaulted on his payment to them and the Saxons attacked England somewhere in the year 454. Evidence suggests Artorius Riothamus married the daughter of Vortigern in 454 and succeeded his father in law to the throne and within years, organized the Britons into a full army and navy. Medraut, A deputy betrayed Riothamus to the Visigoths and he and his men fled to Burgundy--heading for the French city of Avallon. Somewhere between the battlefield and the French city of Avallon, Riothamus vanished from history. The hill fort at South Cadbury is now considered to the prime candidate for the real Camelot. Simple leather jerkins and scale mail using bronze scales over a leather coat were the only available forms of armor in England in the 5th Century. Some may have had Roman mail or chain; also bronze or iron helms were also used. Cornwall, Cadbury, and Camelot all seem to be within the same area in all sources so the episode's use of Cornwall is appropriate. However this Arthur lived in the 400s not the 500s as the episode Arthur lived in the year 544 and was only just beginning his career and adventures! By 537 both Arthur of the literature and Arthur of the history (Riothamus) appear to have been killed. The nearest real life history has for Guinevere has to be Guenhumara who paid lip service to Christianity but respected the old gods, modeled as a warrior woman, not unlike the classic Celtic Queen Boudicca. By Celtic custom she could take any lover at will; writers of the Middle Ages distorted this into an adulterous queen who betrayed the King. She was Artorius Riothamus's only legitimate way to the throne. Arthur of the movies seems to have been transplanted to a much later date, usually the 10th Century, say 500 years after events were really supposed to have happened. The mythic Arthur of the literature did succeed Vortigern and also as the real Arthur--Riothamus had, had a general named Aurelius Ambrosius but Aurelius was the enemy of Vortigern. Vortigern died when Aurelius's troops set fire to the castle he was held up in with his troops. Aurelius was poisoned by a surviving son of Vortigern. Uther, Arthur's father, succeeds Aurelius as king. Under false cover, Uther poses as husband of Igraine, lays with her, and conceives Arthur--who is promised to Merlin who takes him to raise him with Sir Ector of Sauvage. Guinevere is born in 397, daughter to someone named Leodegrance. On the same day, her twin half sister is born to the wife of Leodegrance's seneschal (an official in the household of a Medieval prince or noble, having charge of feasts or a steward or major domo or a religious minister). From there the saga goes on and on and is quite exciting. To be fair to the TIME TUNNEL version, it would take a maxi series to do full justice to the Arthur legend (EXCALIBER came close to perfection but it was still too short and left a lot out). Arthur in this episode is played flat and is quite boring--even when next to Tony and Doug! Jim McMullen had to wear a wig and getup to look like Prince Valiant at times and this didn't hinder anything, it was just that his portrayal is boring. Merlin was handled much better. Also, Vikings as the enemy seems a bit off--see Viking notes above. Again, it is not impossible Vikings did land in England as early as 544 or even in the 400s but historical records don't show this. When all is said and done, this episode is a lot more enjoyable than THE REVENGE OF ROBIN HOOD with less emphasis in the first three acts on stock footage, a bit more logical (well, it is) if a bit talky in the tunnel scenes--not to mention the scenes of Tony and Arthur talking, Guinevere and Wogan talking, Guin and Doug talking, Tony-Arthur-and Doug talking while waiting for the door to blow up, etc. In any event, it could have been far worse. For worse results, check out DOCTOR WHO-BATTLEFIELD and other DOCTOR WHOs which dabble with but never confront the Arthur legend.


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Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS) Insider
Issue 33 July 28, 2011
Welcome to EAMS Insider, the newsletter about the Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS).
The Division of Workers' Compensation fields many questions from injured workers, employers, attorneys, insurers, lien claimants, and others about the new system. This newsletter was created to answer those questions and share information. Every month, EAMS Insider will provide information on new developments and what to expect during this transition. Bulletins will also be sent to subscribers for important announcements. (Sign up to be a subscriber at firstname.lastname@example.com.)
EAMS updates
Are you still filing paper documents with the Division of Workers' Compensation? Are you looking for a faster, easier and more cost effective way to get your documents into EAMS?
If so, make plans to attend the Electronic Filing Expo on Friday, July 29, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the DWC Los Angeles district office. If you've been thinking about "joining the E-Team," this is the best way to make that transition.
The E Filing Expo will show you the benefits of electronic filing, and the two methods available:
There will be a walkthrough of JET File and E-forms and its benefits for filers. If you are unsure which method is suited for you, DWC experts from the technical and business sides will be available to help.
Also on hand will be approved vendors who can demonstrate and answer questions about software products and third party filing services. Buying software will allow you to file on your own behalf, while a third party will do the filing for you. Both methods allow filers to take advantage of the speed and efficiency of electronic filing. You will be able to sign up for electronic filing on the spot.
Those filers who are interested in building their own transmission method to utilize JET File can start the process by consulting with DWC experts.
The program will repeat throughout the four hours, so it is not necessary to get there right at 10 a.m. to follow the proceedings. Just to add some fun, there will be a drawing for prizes and refreshments available.
There is no charge to attend the E Filing Expo. You don't need to register, either. Just bring yourself and anyone else from your office that wants to learn how to file the fast and easy way.
The Expo will be in the Carmel room on the ground floor of the Junipero Serra State Office Building, 320 W. 4th St., Los Angeles. There is parking across the street and within easy walking distance. (Please note that charges for parking in the area vary.)
Hope to see you there! For those outside the Los Angeles area or who are unable to attend, send an email to email@example.com and let us know if you are interested in attending an E Filing Expo in your city.
Other updates
Rosa Moran was sworn in as DWC's new administrative director on July 25 after she was appointed by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. on July 19. Moran has been an administrative law judge with the division's Oakland office the past six years, and spent 15 years before that as a workers' compensation attorney. She will oversee a staff of more than 1,000 employees and a budget of $155 million. Please join us in welcoming her and wishing her the best in her new duties.
Web site changes
If you haven't yet seen the JET File Web page, you can get to it from the DWC home page at www.dwc.ca.gov by clicking on the JET File logo on the right side of the page. You can also access it from the EAMS page by clicking on JET File under "working in EAMS."
The JET File page has a wealth of information, from the general to the technical. You can view a video, download a brochure, and see a list of approved vendors. Coming soon: JET File FAQs.
E-forms trial update
If you're interested in joining the e-forms trial, here are some tips for a successful application process:
EAMS blog
Judge Colleen Casey offers tips for QME compliance in her latest blog.
|EAMS Insider is published every month by the DWC Communications Office. It can also be found on the division's Web site at www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/EAMS. Questions? Comments? Story ideas? Email firstname.lastname@example.com
EAMS Public Information Officer Peter Melton


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Dave White Profile
Dave White
Your Movies.com Man at the Multiplex
Dave White's first movie review was of the animated feature Snoopy Come Home. He was seven years old...Read full profile
Your Movies.com Man at the Multiplex
Dave White's first movie review was of the animated feature Snoopy Come Home. He was seven years old...Read full profile
Brawling over Beethoven Read full review
Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.
out of 100
Metascore®Generally favorable reviewsbased on a weighted average of allcritic review scores.
The film mines both the relationship issues and the Upper East Side neighborhoods of Woody Allen's best work, but could use an added dose of the Woodster's jokes to spruce up a self-serious scenario that hits the right notes about half the time.
Read Full Review
The title refers not only to particular music by Beethoven but also to the fictional string quartet of Yaron Zilberman's fussily genteel, overplotted Manhattan tale in which interpersonal stresses build to a crescendo when one of the foursome becomes ill.
A Late Quartet does one of the most interesting things any film can do. It shows how skilled professionals work.
See all A Late Quartet reviews at Metacritic.com
OK for kids 16+
Drama about musicians has great acting, some mature content.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that A Late Quartet examines the inner workings of a world-famous string quartet that's thrown into disarray when one of the musicians is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Long-buried rivalries -- some petty, others more significant -- are revealed as the three remaining players try to come to grips with their new reality, and not everyone behaves like a mature adult. Expect some bitter arguments, occasional swearing (including "s--t"), and a brief fistfight, as well as a few sex scenes (including one with a nude woman moving up and down over a man) and several people drinking wine and other beverages in social situations.
Messages: The characters struggle with the conflict between what they have and what they want and often get frustrated when they realize they can't have what they want. Some accept it more gracefully, and some try to make it happen anyway, often leaving chaos and destruction in their wake. There's a stark contrast between those who are mature and those who act like petulant children.
Role models: Peter is a rock, even as a life-changing illness effectively ends his career and threatens the group's future. He's dignified and noble as he tries to steer his colleagues in a new direction. Meanwhile, the quartet's other three members struggle not to be overcome by long-simmering jealousy and frustration, sometimes keeping their ignoble impulses in check and other times behaving like spoiled children who are upset that they can't have what they want.
Violence: Two men get into a fistfight and knock over some furniture, though clearly neither is much of a fighter. A mother slaps her grown daughter during a heated argument.
Sex: A married man has a brief affair with a woman who's shown nude, moving up and down over him in bed. A young musician gets involved with her older teacher, and they're briefly seen kissing under the covers.
Language: Relatively infrequent swearing includes "s--t," "a--hole," and "damn."
Consumerism: A few characters use Apple computers.
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Several scenes show people drinking wine or champagne at meals and other social events, and one man partakes in stronger stuff at a bar.
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Some of our state's most vulnerable workers and their children face a new hurdle accessing medical care if a budget proposal eliminating the Migrant Fee for Service Program goes through.
The program, administered by the Office of Rural Health and Community Care, provided specialty and dental care for more than 2200 farmworkers and farmworker children last year. The community and migrant health centers where farmworkers typically go for healthcare usually do not provide these services, so providers rely on being able to refer their patients to the care they need through the Fee for Service Program. At around $200 per encounter, this is a cost-effective way of preventing emergency room visits and chronic health problems.
Of course, it would be great if the General Assembly would recognize that employers in one of the state's most hazardous industries should be required to provide workers' comp coverage to their workers just like everyone else, but until then, and until growers provide private health insurance, these uninsured workers are going to need treatment – and the Fee for Service Program needs to stay in the budget.


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Axiom Worksurfaces
Axiom Shadow Oak like all of the Axiom formica surfaces are a stunning and luxurious range of laminate worktops, upstands and splashbacks that feature unique designs. Axiom Formica boasts 60 designs to match your kitchen living and an exceptional choice of finishes. See other worktops in the Axiom Puregrain textures.
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matching edging included enough for 2 short edges